($862) Cost to ship a car from El Paso, TX to Lafayette, LA
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 961 miles from El Paso, Texas, to Lafayette, Louisiana, ranges from $862 to $1,324. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette to El Paso car shipping guide.
The best El Paso to Lafayette car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from El Paso to Lafayette:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in El Paso
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in El Paso, TX:
- Christa's Excellent Auto, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- HYPERDEL Auto Shipping: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers El Paso: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from TX to LA
If you’re relocating from El Paso to Lafayette, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from El Paso to Lafayette, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 961-mile drive from El Paso to Lafayette into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Texas to Louisiana. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in El Paso. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Lafayette.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Lafayette is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting El Paso to Lafayette car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from El Paso to Lafayette, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from El Paso to Lafayette, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from El Paso tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Lafayette, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from El Paso depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Lafayette will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 961 miles from El Paso to Lafayette will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Texas.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in El Paso and Lafayette can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
With a desert climate, El Paso's weather is typically predictable but some winters can have extreme weather. Roads may become icy on some days in the winter which would affect your move.
It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from El Paso to Lafayette during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 961-mile trip from El Paso to Lafayette, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from El Paso to Lafayette is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing El Paso and Lafayette vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- El Paso: Although El Paso doesn't require parking permits, you should double check with the city or any HOA rules that your new home may have.
- Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
Car insurance requirements
- El Paso: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
Vehicle inspections
- El Paso: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
Driver’s license
- El Paso: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from El Paso to Lafayette?
The cost to ship a car from El Paso, TX to Lafayette, LA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from El Paso to Lafayette will range from $862 to $1,324.
How long will it take to ship my car from El Paso to Lafayette?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 961 miles from El Paso to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from El Paso to Lafayette?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from El Paso to Lafayette. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from El Paso to Lafayette?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from El Paso to Lafayette than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 961-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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221 N Kansas St #700, El Paso, TX 79901 US
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